What should a social worker do when a 14-year-old boy stops attending school without signs of trauma or phobia?

When a 14-year-old boy stops attending school without exhibiting signs of trauma or phobia, encouraging his parents and the school to support his return to school is a proactive and supportive strategy. Engaging both the family and educational institution fosters a collaborative environment that addresses the boy’s situation holistically. Parents can provide emotional backing and encourage re-engagement with academic responsibilities, while the school can offer resources such as counseling or adjusted academic plans to facilitate his return.

This approach acknowledges the importance of communication and teamwork in resolving issues around school attendance. It also allows the social worker to identify any underlying issues that might not be immediately apparent, as the involvement of parents and educators can reveal additional insights about the boy’s needs or circumstances. Furthermore, advocating for a supportive and gradual reintegration into school life can alleviate potential anxiety or reluctance he may feel, leading to a healthier adjustment process.

The other options, while they have their merits, do not foster the same level of immediate support and communication. Educational testing might be beneficial later but may not address the urgent need for re-engagement. Suggesting that he stays home can exacerbate feelings of isolation or disengagement from his peers and academic environment while contacting a psychologist may delay actionable support from those immediately involved in his